Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease.

Your mouth constantly makes a clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don’t do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Gum disease is a result of poor oral hygiene. It is known to be especially prevalent in smokers. The plaque that develops on the teeth is a breeding ground for bacteria. That bacteria then works its way to the gum line in which it causes the gums to become red and irritated. Eventually, the condition will get worse, even leading to tooth abscess.

Some things are best when they are bright red — tomatoes, apples, cherries or evening gowns, but definitely not gums. Healthy gums should be pink. Red gums raise a red flag. When they turn red and puffy and bleed when you brush, that could be a symptom of gum disease, also called periodontal disease.

People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Treatment for gingivitis includes improved brushing and flossing at home and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. If gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, the dentist will use a method called root planning and scaling that removes plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. Antibiotics may be needed to help get rid of the infection. If gum disease is severe, surgery may be required.